Released ahead of the 2025 Dry January® challenge, the study found that more than one in four (26%) men2 have drunk more alcohol in 2024 than in 2023 while over a third (35%) report drinking above the low-risk guidelines of 14 units per week3. This compares with less than a quarter (22%) of women drinking at these levels3.
The data also points to what may be driving men to revaluate their relationship with alcohol. Of those that drink, almost one in three2 (31%) have become more concerned about the long-term damage that their drinking might be doing to them. Aspects of their lives they feel are most negatively impacted by their alcohol consumption4 include their fitness levels, energy levels, physical health, diet and sleep quality. Over one in five2 (22%) have also felt regret about something they said or did while drinking. Alongside these concerns, male Brits’ top goals for the year include improving their financial health (33%), building their fitness/physical health (24%) and improving their mental health and wellbeing (22%).
Running parallel to the Dry January® challenge, from 1st to 31st January, is football’s transfer window, while a raft of Premier League matches will kick off 2025 across the month. Bringing these two worlds together, Alcohol Change UK has signed football legend Neil Ruddock to support and take part in the Dry January® challenge.
Known for his ‘Razor’ personality on and off the field, Ruddock has been on his own transformative journey, including addressing his relationship with alcohol, following a major health scare caused by years of heavy drinking. He features in a film with ex-Wimbledon FC player and Alcohol Change UK Ambassador, Fraser Franks, as well as football journalist, commentator and Alcohol Change UK Ambassador Jay Motty. In ‘Bossing the Booze with Razor, Motty and Franks’, they discuss their personal experiences with alcohol, how drinking cultures are changing and the relationship between booze and the world of football.
Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, former professional footballer for England and Liverpool FC, is backing the Dry January® challenge and taking part, and said: “In my heyday, football and booze went hand-in-hand. There was a massive pressure to drink, especially from the older players, it was part of the culture. But the way I used to drink had a serious impact on my health over time, and whenever I’ve been in trouble or done something that I regret, alcohol was always involved. So, my attitude to drinking and boozing habits had to change. While I do still like a tipple, it’s about balance for me now to keep my health and life in check.
“I'll be joining the huge number of blokes taking part in the Dry January® challenge in 2025 and I’m looking forward to it. It was great to sit down with Fraser and Jay to chat about our own experiences with alcohol and football, and the benefits you can get from having a break. I’m sure I’ll need a reset after Christmas, and it will be great to feel that sense of achievement hitting milestones throughout the month. Having the Try Dry® app in my pocket will really help me stay on track and knowing I’ll need all the help I can get, I’m glad to hear it doubles your chances of having a totally booze free month. Who knows, maybe I’ll continue into February too!”
Dr Richard Piper, CEO at Alcohol Change UK, said: “Men are heavily targeted by the alcohol industry to get us to drink more and more alcohol. These companies spend millions putting booze front and centre of the things we love, from sporting events, gigs and ‘lad’s nights out’ to products in our favourite TV shows and films, or just via inescapable advertising we see as we go about our lives and on social media.
“Yet, our research tells us that the tide is turning. With nearly one in three men planning a break from booze this January, it’s clear they are making the link between what they drink and how it could be holding them back physically, mentally and in their day-to-day life. As the guys highlight in the film, we’ll all have our own personal reasons why we might want to ease back on our drinking. Whether we’re experiencing some consequences or regrets because of our drinking, are sick of hangovers, struggling at work or spending more money than we’d like, or simply just want to give our bodies, brains and bank balances a boost entering a New Year, the Dry January® challenge offers that valuable reset that offers short and long-term gains. It’s not about stopping drinking forever but taking back control of our relationship with alcohol so we can tackle our other goals head-on. There’s nothing lose, and a lot to gain in 31-days, so why not give it go?
Join the millions of men look to take a break from alcohol in January and double your chances of a completely alcohol-free Dry January® challenge by downloading the free Try Dry® app by Alcohol Change UK. Find out more and take part at dryjanuary.org.uk.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Contact: For interviews, case studies, and tips on having a successful Dry January® challenge, please contact [email protected].
About the research - methodology
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2000 nationally representative UK general consumers aged 18+. The gender breakdown of the 2,000 respondents is as follows: 972 men, 1,020 women, 7 non binary, 1 gender not listed. The data was collected between 20.11.2024 - 25.11.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
[i] Respondents who never consumed alcohol were excluded from Q4 but later included as "N/A" in reporting to ensure the full base was represented.
1All ‘yes’ responses combined
2Strongly agree’ and ‘somewhat agree’ responses combined
3Responses ranging from ’15-21 units’ to ’50 units or more’ combined
4Somewhat negative’ and ‘very negative’ responses combined
Alcohol Change UK – the charity behind the Dry January® challenge
Alcohol Change UK is an independent charity working for a world free from alcohol harm. We fund, commission and share research; provide information and advice; work to ensure more and better support and treatment; encourage better policy and regulation; shift drinking cultures through our campaigns; and work to change drinking behaviours. Find out more at: www.alcoholchange.org.uk
Dry January® trademark notice
Dry January® is a registered trademark of Alcohol Change UK. We request that any articles referencing Dry January® are only used to describe people signing up to take part in the Dry January® challenge by Alcohol Change UK, using the tools and resources we provide such as the Try Dry® app and our daily email coaching journey.
Research shows that anyone taking part in the Dry January® challenge by Alcohol Change UK, is twice as likely to be successful in having an alcohol-free month and change their drinking habits longer-term, compared to those attempting an alcohol-free month on their own in January. Therefore, to ensure people get the most positive benefits from the challenge, it's helpful to be clear on what it means to take part.
Taking part in the Dry January® challenge by Alcohol Change UK gives people access to:
- The Try Dry® app - the tool to rule your Dry January® challenge: Backed by behavioural science and designed to guide you through the 31 days, you can track your units, calories and money saved, log your dry days, earn badges, access tips, stories and more
- Your Dry January® email journey: Daily coaching emails with tips, tricks, inspiration and information from experts in alcohol, to make your month easier and more fun
- The amazing Dry January® online community on Facebook where you can connect with others and share your experiences
- A whole host of web content including dozens of fascinating personal stories and expert advice and information
It’s easy to take part:
- Download the free and easy to use Try Dry® app via the App Store or Google Play
- If you'd prefer not to use an app, you can sign up to take part via the website at dryjanuary.org.uk
Important advice on alcohol withdrawal
If you drink very heavily or regularly, the Dry January® challenge may not be for you. People who are clinically alcohol dependent can die if they suddenly, completely stop drinking. If you experience fits, shaking hands, sweating, seeing things that are not real, depression, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping after a period of drinking and while sobering up, then you may be clinically alcohol dependent and should NOT suddenly, completely stop drinking.
But you can still take control of your drinking. Talk to a GP or your local community alcohol service who will be able to get help for you to reduce your drinking safely. Find out more on the Alcohol Change UK website https://alcoholchange.org.uk.
Headline Partner and Official Partners of the 2025 Dry January® challenge by Alcohol Change UK:
- Headline Partner of the Dry January® challenge – BetterHelp
- Official Beer of the Dry January® challenge – Lucky Saint
- Official Spirit and Wine of the Dry January® challenge – Lyre’s
- Official Kombucha of the Dry January® challenge – Counter Culture
- Official Soft Drink of the Dry January® challenge – DASH Water
- Official Brand of the Dry January® challenge – TRIP Drinks
- Official Brand of the Dry January® challenge – Wise Bartender
